Empower Home Lending Team - Powered by Luminate Bank

09/08/2026

These days, there’s a little more to condo financing than finding a place you love and getting the keys.

Your lender may need to look at the condo project itself, including the HOA’s finances, insurance, reserves, repairs, and more.
And with condo review changes taking effect in 2026, plus the transition to UAD 3.6 appraisal reporting, there are some things worth knowing before you make an offer.

If a condo is on your wishlist, let’s talk about your plans. I’m happy to help you figure out what comes next!

When you buy a condo, your lender may look at more than just you and the unit you want to buy. They may also need to review the condominium project itself.

09/04/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Chris Fewell by Cherin C - Chris brings knowledge and humor to each transaction. I appreciate that because sometimes humor is what it takes to get everyone to the finish line. He takes my calls/texts on weekends and does a great job keeping everyone updated and making sure they understand what they're signing. Oh, and he came to closing. Major bonus points.

Click to see all 81 reviews of Chris Fewell, Luminate Home Loans

09/03/2026

First-time homebuyers: here’s your permission to ask your loan officer all the questions.

Even the “this might be a dumb question…” questions.

There aren’t any dumb questions when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. In fact, some of the best conversations happen when we get beyond the basic numbers and start talking about what could change, what you might be overlooking and where you want to be a few years from now.

A good mortgage conversation should leave you feeling more informed, not more overwhelmed.

09/03/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Chris Fewell by Bryn D - Chris was so helpful. Putting us at ease through the whole process. Very friendly likeable guy.

Click to see all 81 reviews of Chris Fewell, Luminate Home Loans

09/03/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Chris Fewell by Taylor E - Chris was top of communication with all parties of transaction. He facilitated a smooth closing.

Click to see all 81 reviews of Chris Fewell, Luminate Home Loans

09/01/2026

Don't let closing day become a scammer's opportunity.

When you’re getting close to closing, your inbox is probably full of messages from your lender, real estate agent, title company and attorney. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

Wire fraud scams often look surprisingly legitimate, which is why it’s so important to verify wiring instructions and be cautious about unexpected changes or requests for personal information.

A few extra seconds of verification could save you from a very expensive mistake.

Homebuyers have become a common target for cybercrime as scammers impersonate lenders, but knowing what to watch for is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

08/27/2026

Business owners know the reality: deductions and business expenses can make taxable income look very different from the cash flow behind the business.

That doesn’t automatically mean homeownership is off the table.
There may be mortgage options that take a different approach to documenting income, depending on your situation.

If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying, send me a message. Let’s look at the full picture before you count yourself out.

08/25/2026

Only 65% of small business owners feel confident in managing their cash flow.

And for small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed borrowers, qualifying for a mortgage can look a little different.

Your income may fluctuate. You may reinvest heavily into your business. Your tax returns may show deductions that don't tell the entire story of your financial picture.

And because Luminate Bank combines banking and mortgage lending, the conversation can go beyond the mortgage itself.

If you're a business owner thinking about buying a home, refinancing or investing in real estate, it may be worth having the conversation before assuming a traditional mortgage is your only option.

Luminate Bank is an FDIC-insured bank and a full-service mortgage lender, offering business banking, commercial financing, and residential mortgage solutions.

08/20/2026

The back-to-school reset shouldn’t stop at school supplies and calendar reminders.

When your family’s schedule changes, it’s worth taking another look at your financial routine, too.

One thing people often overlook? Payment timing. Your mortgage, bills, and other automatic payments should fit into your real-life cash flow as smoothly as possible.

A few small scheduling changes can make a busy month feel a whole lot more manageable. And honestly, anything that makes the family calendar easier deserves a little attention.

08/18/2026

Your home can play a pretty big role in your retirement plans, but that doesn’t mean there’s one “right” way to use it.

Maybe that means making accessibility improvements so you can age in place. Maybe downsizing makes more sense. For some homeowners age 62 and older, a reverse mortgage may also be worth exploring.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best strategy starts with understanding what you want your home to do for you in retirement. If you or your loved ones are preparing for retirement, give me a call or visit me online today.

Getting closer to retirement? Learn how to prepare your home, use home equity, finance improvements, and understand HELOCs, home equity loans and reverse mortgages.